More than 100 vehicles collided or veered off Interstate 196 in Michigan on Monday, as a snowstorm created hazardous driving conditions. The Michigan State Police closed both directions of the highway southwest of Grand Rapids due to the extensive pile-up, which included over 30 semi-trailer trucks, while authorities worked to clear the scene.

According to the Michigan State Police, the crashes resulted in multiple injuries, but no fatalities were reported. Images and videos circulating on social media and local news outlets depicted a long line of wrecked vehicles along the snow-covered highway.

The incident highlights the challenges of autonomous vehicle technology in adverse weather. While AI-powered systems are increasingly used in vehicles for features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist, their performance can be significantly degraded by snow, ice, and poor visibility. These conditions can confuse sensors, such as cameras and lidar, leading to inaccurate readings and potentially dangerous driving decisions.

"The reliance on sensors that are easily impaired by weather is a critical limitation of current autonomous systems," explained Dr. Emily Carter, a professor of robotics at the University of Michigan, in an interview. "Advancements in sensor technology, such as radar, which is less susceptible to weather interference, and AI algorithms that can better interpret noisy data are crucial for improving safety in these conditions."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating several incidents involving autonomous vehicles, including those that occurred in inclement weather. The agency is focusing on evaluating the ability of these systems to safely navigate challenging conditions and prevent accidents.

Michigan State Senator Roger Victory shared images of the crash on X, formerly known as Twitter, underscoring the severity of the situation. The closure of I-196 caused significant traffic delays and disruptions to commercial transportation in the region.

As of late Monday, authorities were still working to clear the highway and investigate the cause of the pile-up. The Michigan State Police urged motorists to avoid the area and to exercise extreme caution when driving in winter weather conditions. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities assess the full extent of the damage and determine the factors that contributed to the crashes.